Man City set to bid for Enzo Fernandez despite missing transfer deadline as Chelsea line up replacement in Alex Scott

MANCHESTER CITY are preparing an opening bid for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. The Blues value the midfielder, 25, at more than £120million after their self-imposed August 14 deadline for bids at that price came and went without an offer. Enzo Fernandez’s Chelsea future remains in doubt Credit: Getty Xabi Alonso would ideally like to keep the Argentine midfielder Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Despite that deadline, City’s interest remains with new boss Enzo Maresca keen on a reunion with the Argentine. Speaking while on international duty in March, Fernandez criticised the Blues for Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge as their season spiralled out of control. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM THE SUMMER WINDOW Chelsea will seek a replacement for Fernandez if an agreement is reached with City and, despite having a £64m bid rejected, they remain keen on Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The Cherries have insisted the midfielder, who has rejected the offer of a new contract, is not for sale but Chelsea are prepared to further test their resolve. Maresca is overhauling City’s midfield, having already signed £116m Elliot Anderson and now added teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi in an £81m deal from Lille confirmed on Wednesday. Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders have all left while Nico Gonzalez is closing in on a move to Newcastle. Bouaddi, 18, said: “This is a very special day for me and my family. “Manchester City are, for me, the best club in the world. It’s a dream to be here and be able to call myself a City player. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS “I have spent most of my life working hard to become the best player I can be and reach the top of the game. “I’ve watched City for many years, and I love their style of play. City always try and play quality football. And they have shown they are winners – this club feels like it’s built to win.” Chelsea maintain they are happy to keep Fernandez if their valuation is not met, while new manager Xabi Alonso has stated he wants the midfielder to stay. However, the former Benfica man, signed for a then British transfer record £106m in January 2023, was not named in the starting XI to face Fulham in the Premier League opener on Monday night. Fernandez was introduced as a second-half substitute and cheered by the travelling fans having been booed at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly earlier this month. The current record fee spent by a British club stands at £125m, paid by Liverpool to Newcastle last summer for striker Alexander Isak. Alex Scott could replace Fernandez at Chelsea Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Comment now